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It’s very simple to shoot a turkey with a shotgun: place the bead on its glowing red head and neck, then squeeze the trigger. Where to shoot a turkey with bow, however, is more complicated. Depending on which way the gobbler is facing, you can shoot at its head and neck or its heart and lung vital area, which is roughly the size of a softball and requires different aiming points.
But don’t worry. I’ve been using archery tackle to hunt turkeys for 25 years, and I’ve figured out the best places to aim for clean kills. Here’s a comprehensive guide to shooting turkeys with a bow, with each location ranked from my top pick to my least favorite. All will kill, but some are better than others.
Spring turkey season is upon us, and archers are gearing up to test their skills against these wary birds. But where exactly should you aim your arrow for a clean and ethical kill? This guide will break down the ideal shot placement for various turkey stances, ensuring you make the most of your opportunity
Remember, a turkey’s vitals are no bigger than an oversized softball, so precision is key.
1, Broadside:
- Non-strutting: Aim for the final wing joint, which generally points to the heart.
- Strutting: Draw a vertical line just in front of the bird’s legs and aim for the point where it intersects the crease in the wing.
2. Facing Away:
- This is a prime opportunity for a lethal shot. Aim near the “vent” at the base of the fan for a direct hit to the chest cavity.
3. Quartering To:
- Draw a horizontal line from the base of the beard and a vertical line from the offside leg. Aim for their intersection for a heart/lung shot.
- If the bird is strutting, adjust the horizontal line to two inches below the base of the neck.
4. Straight On:
- Aim between the base of the beard and the base of the neck. Look for a thin vertical line formed by the breast feathers as an aiming point.
5. Head/Neck Shot:
- This is a challenging but highly effective shot. Call the bird in close and release your arrow when it’s relatively stationary.
Remember, patience is key. Wait for the perfect shot and avoid rushing, especially when multiple turkeys are present.
Additional Tips:
- Use a ground blind and realistic decoys to increase your success.
- Choose a broadhead with a 2-inch cutting diameter for optimal performance.
- Stay calm and focused throughout the encounter.
With this guide and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of bowhunting turkeys.
Happy hunting!
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/where-to-shoot-turkey-with-bow/
- Mathews Archery: https://www.mathewsinc.com/turkey-shot-placement/
Where to Shoot a Turkey With a Bow: Head/Neck
Don’t back down from this shot, and don’t panic if your arrow doesn’t have a decapitating-style broadhead attached to it. Yes, because of their large blades, decapitating broadheads like the Magnus Bullhead allow for more room for error and can kill a lot of targets, but I’m not into hacking off a turkey’s head. Additionally, a standard 2-inch cut expandable broadhead will fly much better on the end of my arrow if I need to take a slightly longer shot.
This is an all-or-nothing shot, which is a good thing. Hit, and it’s game over. Miss, and you mostly likely miss the bird altogether, with no harm done. For a head shot, I like the bird in full strut because the head rests against the dark black back feathers, making the target easier to see. If the bird is not in a strut, I have no problem with a head/neck shot; however, I prefer to have the shot distance be no more than ten yards.
Where to Shoot a Turkey With a Bow: Head-On
This is my favorite shot of all because it’s 100 percent lethal, and the beard gives you a precise aiming point whether the bird is in full strut or not. It’s a common angle in the field, too. Often a tom will approach a gobbler decoy from behind and walk up alongside the imposter, giving you a perfect head-on shot. Also, 90 percent of your shots will be frontal if you use a bow-mounted decoy.
While at full draw, find the beard and settle your pin about an inch above it. A slight elevation results in a deadly hit to the neck; a slight descent causes the arrow to pass through the beard and into the vitals.
Turkey Hunting with a Bow? Here Are 4 Shot Scenarios & Where to Aim
How do you shoot a Turkey with a bow?
Shoot a turkey in the head: Although difficult, this shot provides an instant kill. Aim for the base of the neck where it meets the body. Shooting a wild turkey with a bow requires precision and knowledge of the bird’s general anatomy. Always aim for lethal, quick-kill shots to ensure a humane hunt.
What happens if you shoot a Turkey with an arrow?
This shot should break the bird’s wing, hit the spine, or hit the lungs or heart. However, if only the wing is broken, be prepared for a follow-up shot. Accuracy is key when shooting turkeys with an arrow in order for a successful hunt. 2. Quartering Shots
How do you shoot a Turkey broadside?
When shooting a turkey broadside, target the area behind the turkey’s wings where they join the body. This is where the lungs and heart are located. Aim for behind the turkey’s ‘shoulder’ region. Be prepared for a follow-up shot if the initial shot doesn’t result in an immediate kill.
What is the best shot placement for a turkey hunter?
If you’re looking to be a successful turkey hunter, your best shot placement for bows and crossbows is the heart and lungs. Some turkey hunters prefer going for the neck and spine for quick kills, but it’s harder to make those shots successfully, especially with a strutting tom. 1. Broadside Shots